SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Structural Steelwork Detailing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48636  National Diploma: Structural Steelwork Detailing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  257  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2030-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners and education and training providers with the standards required to satisfy the challenges of participating effectively in the steel construction industry.

For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired

For the new entrant, this qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace.

For education and training providers, this qualification provides guidance for the development of appropriate learning programmes and assessment documentation.

For employers, this qualification ensures that safe and economical steel detailing standards are maintained thereby enhancing productivity levels and achieving business objectives.

This qualification has been developed to assist with standardisation across the steel construction industry. This will allow a person to register as a structural steel detail draughtsman and lay a foundation for future career advancement to supervisory and management Qualifications within the sector.

The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification relate to the production of structural steel detail drawings for the fabrication and erection of steel structures. The learner will also have an understanding of the steel construction industry and how he or she should operate within the legislative, safety and quality systems, which govern this industry.


Rationale:

In the past the training of structural steel detail draughtsmen was conducted in an uncontrolled environment. There was no statutory body in place to oversee this training or set and maintain standards. Four years was generally accepted within the industry as an adequate training period for a learner detail draughtsman.

The training of learners took place "in house" and "on the job" at structural steel fabricator's drawing offices with short periods in the fabricating works and at construction sites. The learner also attended courses at Technical Colleges and later at Technikons where the appropriate theories were learnt. Currently the general Civil Engineering diplomas offered are very broad based with very little emphasis on structural steel and are less appropriate to the specialist requirements of the structural steel detail draughtsman.

The quality of "on the job" training varied considerably from fabricator to fabricator depending on the company profile and quality of mentoring. The skills base of structural steel draughtsmen therefore varies considerably within the steel construction industry.

As some draughtsmen gained experience in the workplace, they would undertake short courses or additional studies to improve their understanding of structural steel behaviour and steel design knowledge. Many of the draughtsmen who undertook these additional studies advanced in the corporate structure to management levels.

Over the past two decades the preferred employment policy of the structural steel industry has been to employ independent "contract draughtsmen" to meet their short term needs. This has resulted in companies reducing their "core training" and "mentoring skills" which has adversely impacted on the number and quality of learners being trained.

Although draughtsmen of colour were trained, past legacies resulted in many young people being denied career opportunities in structural steelwork detailing.

The introduction of a National Diploma in Structural Steel Detailing - NQF Level 5, based on unit standards will formalise the training of structural steel detail draughtsmen for the Steel Construction Industry. This will enable learners to reach their full potential in this profession. It will also make allowance for recognition of prior learning of structural steel draughtsmen and allow for access to management levels.

In terms of existing legislation rare skills associated with certain professions have to become transformed into unit standard based Qualifications. The Sector Skills Plan developed by the CETA indicates a definite need for structural steel draughtsmen who have the relevant technical competencies required by the steel construction industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner entering a programme leading to this Qualification has acquired mathematical numeracy (geometry and trigonometry), communication (oral and written), information technology (word processing and spreadsheets) and draughting skills (freehand and 3-dimensional) at NQF Level 3 or equivalent prior to embarking on learning towards this Qualification.


Recognition of Prior Learning

The qualification may be obtained through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), and will be assessed against the assessment criteria and specific outcomes for the relevant unit standard/s. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Qualification is composed of Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components:

Fundamental: 19
Core: 217
Elective: 21

Credit total: Minimum of 257 credits

In order to be awarded the Qualification, the learner has to prove competence on all the Fundamental and Core Unit Standards, as well as at least one Elective Unit Standard of the learner's choice

Stakeholders decided that 1290 notional hours of fundamental learning in Mathematics, Communications and basic computer literacy at NQF Levels 3 - 4 would be required in support of the Core outcomes.

The bulk of the total credit value 217 credits are made up of the Core learning. This is due to the following:
  • Underpinning theoretical knowledge and structural steelwork detail drawing competencies are combined in the Qualification.
  • A working knowledge of structural steel detail drawings produced for the fabrication and erection of a wide range of steel structures is compulsory in order for the learner to exit as a competent Structural Steel Detail Draughtsman.

    Additional Elective Unit Standards could be added to the Qualification over time. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Associate theory of structures, structural behaviour, mechanical properties and resistances of connectors and structural steelwork elements as well as regulations, codes, standards and drawing office practices with the preparation of detail drawings of connections and load bearing elements used in the fabrication and assembly of steel structures

    2. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate engineering requirements for the detailing of connections and load bearing elements to ensure safe and economical connections and load bearing elements for structural steelwork assemblies

    3. Organise and manage one's self and one's activities in the production of structural steelwork detail drawings to ensure the accurate measurement and placement of individual assemblies on drawing layouts in accordance with drawing office practice and specifications.

    4. Communicate effectively between structural steel drawing office personnel, workshop and site personnel as well as associated engineering personnel when preparing and issuing detail drawings.

    5. Communicate with clientele when compiling estimates and quotations for structural steelwork projects based on the standard system of measurement of building work for the steel construction industry thereby ensuring that accurate estimates are compiled and quotations produced from standard contract documentation are in accordance with best practice standards.

    6. Identify and solve problems when preparing details of structural steelwork connections and load bearing elements to ensure accurate calculations and workshop drawings are produced in accordance with engineer's requirements and contract specifications.

    7. Use science and technology associated with connection design and draughting practice to produce detail drawings of structural steelwork assemblies and arrangement drawings.

    8. Use advanced 3D computer modelling science and technology to produce detail drawings and related data for the fabrication of commercial and industrial structural steel buildings.

    9. Integrate the processes and sequences associated with the preparation and production of structural steelwork detail drawings with the fabricating workshop and site planning functions and evaluate the combined impact of these processes on the time and cost of producing quality products within contract specifications and programme.

    10. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by contributing to the implementation of enhanced quality control processes from the preparation of detail drawings to the fabrication stage and through to the on site erection of structural steelwork assemblies including handover of completed steel structures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1 Drawing equipment, connection design and draughting practice techniques are used to produce detail and arrangement drawings for basic structural steelwork assemblies.

    2.1 The impact of regulations, codes and drawing office practices on structural steel detailing processes are identified, explained and discussed.
    2.2 Strength of materials in relation to steel structures is defined, calculated and illustrated.

    3.1 The basic theory of structures and structural behaviour in relation to steel structures is defined, calculated and illustrated.
    3.2 The advanced theory of structures and structural behaviour in relation to steel structures is defined, calculated and illustrated.

    4.1 Communication between structural steel drawing office personnel, workshop and site personnel as well as associated engineering personnel is maintained during the preparation, production and issue of detail drawings.

    5.1 Estimates for structural steelwork projects are compiled and quotations are produced from standard contract documentation in accordance with best practice standards.

    6.1 The processes and sequences associated with the preparation and production of structural steelwork detail drawings are integrated with fabricating workshop and site planning functions and the combined impact of these processes on the time and cost of producing quality products within contract specifications and programme is evaluated.

    7.1 The framing of structural steel buildings and the influence of bracing systems on structural behaviour is explained.
    7.2 The mechanical properties of bolts, set screws and welds and their application in the design of connections for structural steelwork assemblies are described and illustrated.
    7.3 Structural steelwork connections and load bearing elements are accurately calculated and workshop drawings are produced in accordance with engineer's requirements and contract specifications.

    8.1 Advanced 3-D computer modelling technology is used to produce detail drawings and related data for the fabrication of commercial and industrial structural steel buildings.

    9.1 Drawing layouts are prepared in accordance with drawing office practice, setting out points and measurements are accurately calculated and individual assemblies are placed on drawing layouts in accordance with engineer's requirements and contract specifications.

    10.1 Quality control processes are monitored from the preparation of detail drawings to the fabrication stage and through to the on site erection of structural steelwork assemblies, including handover of completed steel structures.


    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessments conducted during the learning process will consist of written tests, demonstrations and a number of self-assessments. The purpose of formative assessment is to diagnose learner strengths and weaknesses and to determine readiness for summative assessment.

    Summative assessment would consist of written tests coupled with assignments, case studies and practical demonstrations. Summative assessments would only be conducted once the learner has indicated that he/she is ready to undergo summative assessment.

    Before qualifying, the learners will be expected to demonstrate competence in a practical situation that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes, for all unit standards.

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this Qualification.

    In particular assessors should check that the learner is able to demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options and make decisions about:
  • The quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • The different methods that can be used by the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Reflexive competencies 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Scottish Qualifications Framework:

    The National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing NQF Level 5 was benchmarked against the following courses registered on the SQF:
  • Structures Intermediate 2
  • Structural Mechanics And Design 1 (Higher)
  • Structural Mechanics And Design 2
  • Structural Drawing And Detailing (Higher)

    The above courses comprise mandatory and individual units registered on the Scottish Qualifications Framework and are aimed at developing underpinning knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills and the application of these competencies to the detailing of structural elements in the civil and structural engineering field.

    The use of computer packages in beam analysis is included in these courses.

    The competencies contained in the unit standards that make up the National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing NQF Level 5 are closely related to those found in the above courses.

    Duration:

    Each unit contained in the courses used as a benchmark comprise 40 hours of learning. The SQA equate 1 credit to 40 hours of learning. The collective number of hours of the courses used in this benchmarking process equates to 360 hours, of which 120 hours comprise compulsory introductory units. The total credits of the National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing NQF Level 5 equate to 267 or 2,670 hours (1 credit = 10 hours of notional learning).

    New Zealand Qualifications Framework:

    The computer technology unit standards of the National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing have been benchmarked against computer technology units that form part of the NZQ "National Certificate In Engineering And Technology (For The Design And Construction Sector)".

    The competencies contained in these unit standards were found to be identical both in terms of content and level of complexity. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The introduction of a National Diploma in Structural Steel Detailing - NQF Level 5, based on unit standards will formalise the training of structural steel detail draughtsmen for the Steel Construction Industry. This will enable learners to reach their full potential in this profession as well as making allowance for recognition of prior learning of structural steel draughtsmen and allow for access to management levels.

    For those who have been in the workplace for a long time, this qualification can be used in the recognition of prior learning process to assess and recognise workplace skills acquired

    For the new entrant, this qualification describes the learning outcomes required to effectively participate in a structured workplace

    This qualification has been developed to assist with standardisation across the steel construction industry. This will allow persons to register as a structural steel detail draughtsman and lay a foundation for future career advancement to supervisory and management qualifications within the sector

    The primary skills that are recognised in this qualification relate to the production of structural steel detail drawings for the fabrication and erection of steel structures. The learner will also have an understanding of the steel construction industry and how he or she should operate within the legislative, safety and quality systems, which govern this industry. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by CETA ETQA or any ETQA which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CETA ETQA in accordance with ETQA Regulations (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programmes that result in the outcomes specified for the National Diploma in Structural Steelwork Detailing - NQF Level 5. CETA ETQA is responsible for the moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this Qualification.

    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.

    Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A recognised assessor Qualification;
  • Compliance with the relevant ETQA's requirements for assessor registration;
  • Detailed documentary proof of education Qualification, subject matter expertise as well as experience gained (Portfolio of Evidence); and
  • A minimum of three years practical relevant occupational experience at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. The terms "draughtsman" or "draughtsmen" used in the context of this qualification and associated unit standards is a generically inclusive term for both male and female genders. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  114194  Demonstrate understanding of regulations codes and drawing office practices for structural steel detailing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Core  114210  Use drawing equipment and apply drawing techniques to produce detail drawings of basic structural steelwork assemblies and arrangement drawings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  28 
    Core  114199  Demonstrate an understanding of advanced theory of structures and structural behaviour relative to steel structures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Core  114221  Demonstrate an understanding of basic contract planning functions workshop and site procedures for structural steel projects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  114200  Demonstrate an understanding of basic theory of structures and structural behaviour relative to steel structures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  114198  Demonstrate an understanding of strength of materials in relation to steel structures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  20 
    Core  114211  Demonstrate understanding of framing of structural steel buildings and structural behaviour  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  114197  Demonstrate understanding of the mechanical properties of bolts set screws and welds and their application in the design of connections for structural steelwork assemblies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  114202  Design a range of load bearing elements for steel structures  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  114220  Design structural steelwork connections  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  11 
    Core  114207  Prepare structural steelwork detail drawings for the fabrication of assemblies for ancillary steelwork for buildings  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  14 
    Core  114214  Prepare structural steelwork detail drawings for the fabrication of assemblies for multi-storey buildings  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Core  114196  Prepare structural steelwork detail drawings for the fabrication of assemblies for process plants  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  24 
    Core  114195  Prepare structural steelworks detail drawings for the fabrication of assemblies for light industrial structures low rise commercial buildings and warehouses  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  25 
    Core  114203  Prepare structure steelwork detail drawings for the fabrication of assemblies for heavy industrial buildings  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  21 
    Fundamental  8974  Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  8975  Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  114204  Use advanced 3D computer modelling techniques in the production of detail drawings and other data leading to the fabrication of commercial and industrial structural steel buildings  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  28 
    Elective  114201  Compile estimates and quotations for structural steelwork projects  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  21 
    Elective  114205  Control quality in the fabrication assembly and erection of structural steelwork assemblies  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  21 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academic Institute of Excellence 
    2. Centurion Akademie 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.